EVERYDAY SUPERSTARS

Celebrating women who have a passion for technology and digital, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

Imaginify was a ... Fintech Co-founder

Ania co-founded the fintech app Nimbla that helps small businesses, ensuring they get paid. She escaped the 'rat race' three years ago and is driven by passion to have a positive social impact on the economy.

FACTFILE

1

I'm awful at texting - just call me

2

Painting de-stresses me massively - try it!

3

I write a blog called Tech | No Techno

WHAT DO YOU DO?

I am part of the founding team for the fintech app Nimbla, offering instant and affordable invoice cover for small business. I started my own online business back in 2014, and had first hand experience of how expensive current protection is against clients defaulting on payments. I am now proud to be part of a tech start-up making a positive social impact on the economy.

What made you decide to do this?

The lack of affordable insurance for start-ups and businesses sees a lot going under in their first 5 years of trading. 50,000 of them stopped trading in 2016 due to bad debt in fact. I am all about helping smaller, family run business and similar ventures succeed.

How long have you been doing it?

I have been an Entrepreneur for 3 years now after escaping the rat race as a broker in the City Of London.

Do you have a mentor or anyone who supports you?

No.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Linda Lacina and Grace Dent

Both for the same reasons. Fantastic writers of original and unfiltered content.

What do you wish you'd known 10 years ago? What difference would knowing that have made?

At the last minute chose to study Architecture instead of Engineering at University. I have spent a lot of time making up for that choice.

What are the best things about being a woman in an industry dominated by men?

I have always worked in male dominated environments, ever since I started broking 7 years ago. I appreciate that if there is a problem, it is talked about straight away and resolved. I don't have a problem with confrontation if it comes from a constructively critical angle. It's a tough question as I have no experience in female dominated environments so have nothing to compare to. Perhaps it's the same. What's gender hey?

What advice do you have for girls or women considering a tech role?

Do not be afraid to ask questions as it could leave you left in the dark. Get to know the structure of your company, and be an integral part of how you can make it better. Go beyond what is expected of you and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I ask for help literally all the time.

What is your favourite quote?

I have two. It wouldn't be tech if i didn't mention Elon Musk's 'If it needs a manual; it's broken.' Second is anonymous and unrelated, but always a grounding one to remember. 'You don't own stuff, stuff owns you.'